10 Jul 2016 14:17:52
New report going around that Klopp has lost interest in Goetze. can any ed confirm?

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - we have made no attempt to sign him, that is all I know. I don't know of any actual interest in signing him by Klopp, just conversations with a former player that he keeps in touch with.}

1.) 11 Jul 2016 02:57:59
Ed002 said Liverpool are interested, which was good enough for me. The report came from James Pearce, who is one of the more informed LFC journos.

{Ed001's Note - he said Klopp likes him. There is a big difference. That means there is always a possibility, if someone goes, that we move for him as a replacement. He is not a player we have chased in any way shape or form. That does not mean we won't jump in and get him. Things change and other targets may not be available or be interested in joining. We still may lose Couts, or Firmino could pick up a season ending injury in training. Right now though, it is an outside chance.}

2.) 11 Jul 2016 10:25:08
Ah, I see, thanks for the clarification. but apparently Goetze isn't keen on us anyway?

4.) 18 May 2016 11:07:56
If Toure, Ilori, Caulker and Skrtel are all leaving, as seems very possible, I wouldn't be surprised if Tah was the kind of player we brought in. With Mama most likely banned til at least October we won't be able to rely on Lov, Matip and Gomez as our CBs for the start of the season, or injury could end our title chances before we'd even started.

*Klopp was previously having a look at Xhaka, but his interest has ended. To back up the post of another guy on here, he is now taking a look at Javi Martinez.

*He wants his main signings concluded before the Euros.

We may not necessarily approach the respective clubs of said players, but we have taken an interest in them.

NickIsARed

1.) 31 Mar 2016 08:39:20
I've seen the name Hector pop up alot, and I think one of the eds confirmed we had interest? (sorry if I am wrong)
Is he the Germany left back?
Has anybody seen him enough to give their view on his game?

Sorry if you've already answered this, but was Klopp actually ever seriously considering Benteke while at Dortmund? Benteke's own words were 'the manager wanted me', but if you listen to a podcast like Anfield Index, they said that yes, BVB scouts showed interest, but then moved on from their interest after further analysis. Because he is absolutely not fitting into the style that Klopp is setting out for this team at the moment. He does not run the right channels.

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - Klopp's words were 'he was aware of Benteke's quality'. They did have him scouted but never made any offer, and stopped scouting him, which suggests they decided he was simply not right for them. If they had continued to monitor him, then it would just mean they decided not to buy him then, but they weren't even bothering to check on him.}

1.) 18 Dec 2015 08:35:43
Clubs scout 100's of players and Benteke was one of them. I don't remember Ed02 mentioning Dortmund making any bid for the player to suggest any serious interest.

2.) 18 Dec 2015 12:42:58
I can't remember the exact words, but Klopp did say on TV on the eve of the Tottenham game that Benteke was in Dortmund/Klopps wish list to replace Lewandowski, but he was too expensive for them.

{Ed001's Note - he never said that, he said he was looked at as a replacement.}

3.) 18 Dec 2015 12:42:58
I can't remember the exact words, but Klopp did say on TV on the eve of the Tottenham game that Benteke was in Dortmund/Klopps wish list to replace Lewandowski, but he was too expensive for them.

not really liverpool-related, but what do you think of David Luiz right now? He may be very decent offensively, but I still have my doubts about him defensively. I know a Chelsea fan raving about him, but I feel he's just another Van Dijk made to look good in a very effective defensive system. Players with a centre back either side of him, another 2 wingbacks who drop back when need be, and has Kante and Matic in front of him. That's a lot of help.

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - I like him, he was always a quality player with lapses in concentration, rather than a stroller like Van Dijk. Experience has improved him massively, as he now makes a lot less lapses, having learnt not to. He never lacked in desire, it was just sometimes he would be thinking about what to do with the ball when he got it, rather than just concentrating on dealing with it first. He still makes the odd error, everyone does, but he is much better defensively than the media ever gave him credit for. Luiz has a good attitude, works hard, has pace, strength, decent in air, attacks the ball well, it is just those lapses that are the issue.}

1.) 19 Dec 2016 05:54:09
Do you think that their system could help prevent him making mistakes? 3-4-3 is very strong against central attacks.

4.) 19 Dec 2016 06:31:51
Luis is an excellent passer of the ball at the back. Not a big fan of his defensive abilities but he is strong and doesn't get bullied by physicality.
3-4-3 compliments him to move around and roam around without much positional play.

5.) 19 Dec 2016 08:58:43
Part of the beauty of Chelsea's system it allows luiz to stroll forward with the ball or even join the odd attack with kante or matic slotting in to cover. Certainly is a perfect system for him imo!

7.) 19 Dec 2016 14:05:23
DL is a very good footballer, no doubt and his qualities are rare for a CB. He just seems to go walk about at times and his decision making under pressure can be baffling. But as a footballer and CB, he is class. Now, I will say that even Skrtel (an inferior CB to DL) looked good at times when BR switched to a back 3 as he had two other CB`s to baby sit him, just like Cahill and Azpi are there to cover for DL`s occasional brainfarts. The diff is that DL is a much better CB and passer of the ball than Skrtel ever hoped to be.

15 Dec 2016 08:22:23
ed001, do you think I'd be correct in drawing similarities between Lallana's current role and Lampard's typical role at Chelsea?

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - no Lampard never did the running with the ball that Lallana does. He fetched and carried in the midfield, then looked to break onto things in and around the box, shooting quickly, so the defenders and keeper had no time to set themselves. I can't remember ever seeing Lallana hit a shot from the edge of the box, he is always looking to work it inside. We are playing far more like Arsenal than Chelsea, the way Wenger's teams always look to get in the box and score the perfect goal is similar to us right now.}

1.) 15 Dec 2016 09:59:29
Well I'm arguing with this Liverpool fan over whether not Lallana is truly being used as a centre mid. His argument is he is still an attacking mid, and centre mid merely by label, because heat maps say he spends most of his time in the opp' final third.

So I pointed out that: a) since Liverpool spend most of their time in the opp' half, it's hard for Lallana to disappear himself from the final third, and b) Lallana doesn't only just occupy AM zones on the pitch - he runs everywhere, and is very involved defensively. I then additionally pointed out that he's similar to Lampard in that like Lampard, he goes forward a lot as a CM and puts himself into goalscoring positions in the box. Of course they have their big differences like you pointed out, but in terms of the volume of attacking involvement high up the pitch, they are both similar as CMs.

{Ed001's Note - ah got you, in that respect yes, they occupy a similar position in the pitch, but they do play their role differently. Though Lampard only really played like that after they got Makalele behind him, before then he had to play deeper.}

{Ed001's Note - good player who made himself into a great Chelsea player by making the absolute most of his talents. He wasn't the best at any area of the game naturally, he earned his ability through graft and I admire him for it. As a youngster he was in a few scrapes but he sorted his head out, settled down and became a top player. He would do things like nap after training, to allow his body to recover, while too many other players are busy playing games, down the casino or pub etc. He became a dedicated pro and that is why he is still going strong now. He was also able to realise how to utilise his talents. He knew he had a good accurate shot on him, so he would take shots a lot. The thing he did differently to most was not to take too many touches to allow defenders time to react and the goalkeeper to prepare and get a view.}

You said that Liverpool needed to sell to buy in the summer transfer window (which I agree with) .

I know this Liverpool fan who is moaning because Klopp only had kids as his attacking options on the bench against West Ham (but in Klopp's words weren't ready for the physicality), and thinks Klopp should have somehow built up a big and strong squad in the summer. I'm trying to point out that was impossible to do because he needed to sell-to-buy.

"Oh, but the club didn't force him to sell all those players! "

Except, they kind of did, didn't they? I'm sure the hierarchy told Klopp that the squad was bloated and he needed to sell as many as possible to accommodate all of the incomings?

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - that is not the point, the point is we had a bloated squad and we barely reduced it in the summer. It was injuries that led to kids on the bench. West Ham had a bunch of teens on the bench as well.}

1.) 12 Dec 2016 22:35:59
What I mean is this fella is complaining that we didn't have good experienced back-up players to cope with injuries. He expected Klopp to wave a magic wand in the summer window, because apparently earning millions a year means he should be expected to do so.

I don't think he understands how impossible it is create one solid, unbloated squad all in the space of one transfer window.

2.) 12 Dec 2016 23:27:07
Ed but surely not they know Sturridge always gets a injured. Ings with a long term injured needed time so that leaves us with 2 forwards. Firmino who plays like a 9 and a half and young Origi. I know that we could not have 5st on the books but it's showing now.

{Ed001's Note - is it? We have no issue there, so I fail to see the problem. The midfield was looking light at the weekend, not the attack.}

3.) 13 Dec 2016 06:25:58
We have 4 strikers on the books, how many more do we need? creating good midfield depth will require buying more highly competent midfielders in the future to provide stiff competition, which is why we are chasing Dahoud.

12 Dec 2016 03:28:03
So ed001, what's your thoughts on where we are at right now? I wish everyone would relax a little, we're still well within the top 4 and within touching distance of Chelsea while they're on their hot streak, which won't last forever.

People bang on about the defence being terrible but West Ham didn't actually enjoy many good opportunities, one of them courtesy of a lucky deflection in the preceding pass that led to the goal.

We need to cop it on the chin and bear with Karius. Many of his mistakes are easily fixable. It's not like he's making these mistakes as an experienced goalkeeper.

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - we are in a much better position than almost all of us expected this season. We are still in a title fight, a couple of poor results change nothing and were always going to happen at some point.}

1.) 12 Dec 2016 06:50:31
A couple of days ago you were talking about how new research has found that injuries can manipulate the way the brain makes muscle-movement decisions, or something like that.

Do you think that's got anything to do with Karius' broken hand and his current stuff-ups? It's clearly a confidence issue. You don't get rated by your peers as the Bundesliga's second best GK if you're a bumbling fool.

2.) 12 Dec 2016 11:50:15
Nick, is Karius getting the right training at Melwood, a fool could see that he was set up all wrong for that free kick, if we really want top four, we need to get our act together .

3.) 12 Dec 2016 12:27:57
I'm not suggesting that a broken hand is the sole reason. Of course training is also a factor, if he were coached properly then he wouldn't have gone about setting it up like that.

4.) 12 Dec 2016 15:29:59
great pints made here regarding Karius and where we are as a club at the moment by posters and the Ed. The GK coach to me, is where the issue is because THREE GK`s under him now have or are struggling and they all can`t be bad (even tho, Migs was serviceable at best, at Sunderland) .

Karius confessed in an interview before Sunday that he still has periodic stiffness in his hand (not an excuse) which is still affecting him and his confidence. This may explain why he punches for now instead of catching. I feel for him because he`s in a no win situation BUT he has to dig deep and overcome this period just like we have to dig deep as a club to support him, the other players and the manager through this trying period.

As Ed said, NOBODY ever thought we would be where we are today so let`s be happy with that and use it as a platform to fight for what we want as success has never come easy.

5.) 12 Dec 2016 18:50:34
I can't blame Achterberg for Karius.
If you look at his Bundesliga performances he rarely caught the ball as his default. He prefers to try and flap/ punch/ parry it. That's why I was not enthusiastic about his signing and always said he has a lot of improving to do.

{Ed001's Note - I have to say, I have not seen any modern keeper catch the ball much. They all seem to default to flapping it away, which is something I really do not understand. In this modern era of powder puff tackles etc, keepers get ridiculous amounts of protection, they would almost certainly get a free kick every time they dropped the ball under pressure, so why not try? It really gets my goat the amount of times you see a ball floated over I would back myself to catch and the keeper flaps at it aimlessly, rather than taking that tiny risk that he might get a knock trying to catch it.}

6.) 12 Dec 2016 19:36:07
I think it's the way they are taught abroad ed. They are taught to punch the ball, which may be the best idea in other leagues. In the premier league where there are proportionately more balls flying into the box and more players waiting for a rebound/ poor clearance ; the best tactic is to catch it.
I feel if Karius doesn't change this behaviour, he will struggle to succeed. IIRC Reina used to punch it in his first season then he adapted and became very good in the air. The kid has time, but will need a good coach to help him adapt.

{Ed001's Note - I don't feel it is the best idea in any league. If you can catch it, then you should. It is taking possession for your team, that should be the aim of every keeper.

Maybe it is time to see what Xavi Valero is doing now then?}

7.) 12 Dec 2016 20:12:00
my point exactly, Ron. therefore, the GK coach needs to be looked at then if we are ever going to get this position fixed long term. Ed has alluded to this already on numerous occasions.

{Ed001's Note - I have been saying it since Valero went. We never brought in a top class replacement for possibly the most important coaching position of all.}

8.) 13 Dec 2016 00:11:15
The question I have is why did we sign a keeper who is not really suited to the premier league? A keeper who prefers to punch and flap rather than catch?

Bit of a blindspot for Klopp the keeper position. I've thought that ever since his ridiculous flattery of Mignolet last season and the awarding of a 5yr contract. The signing of Karius reinforced my initial theory.

You think we need to buy maybe one attacking player in January? Personally I don't see the desperate need, it would look like a bit of a panic buy. Coutinho will most likely be back, Lallana will most likely still be fit, Origi most likely fit, Sturridge surely can't be out for that long into January, and we have Firmino.

"But what if Lallana gets injured, Coutinho is still out and Firmino is out of form? "

Well I guess that's why we have all these talented youngsters to call upon like Woodburn and Ojo?

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - exactly, that is when you find out if the kids have what it takes. Otherwise you end up doing a Brendan Rodgers, padding out the squad with 45 average (at best) players for every position. Just stick with what we have, unless a top class centre back and/or left back is a possibility.}

1.) 11 Dec 2016 09:06:00
If Liverpool seem 'short', then they are 'short' be design. I mean, you even argued at the beginning that the squad maybe still wasn't trimmed down enough!

I doubt Klopp is going to against that design and buy someone in the transfer window, unless it's a player he really, really wants.

2.) 11 Dec 2016 09:15:19
And FTR, I'm talking about the attacking unit. The defensive unit is another story. For instance, Matip seems to be our only dependable centre back. Lucas is makeshift, Lovren is a shambles when the tide is fully against the team, and Klopp already doesn't seem to have much trust in Klavan.

{Ed001's Note - no such thing as minor, unless a woman has it. In which case it is very minor and they should pull themselves together and stop moaning, like us men, who soldier through the truly lifethreatening man-flu with little or no fuss at all.....}

5.) 11 Dec 2016 09:41:45
Lol it's sunday night, so I have nothing to soldier through but season 4 of the sopranos.

6.) 11 Dec 2016 12:08:32
Nothing against the wonderful academy but I would sign Mahrez. He was sublime yesterday. His pass for the first goal was absolute quality but his touch to set up vardy for the third goal, Just wow. That little trick took out 3 CB's and one Fernando just like that. He made that entire back 5 look kindergarten yesterday.
Off the ball He is a workhorse. You don't need to teach him any thing at Liverpool, He is a ready made fit in Klopp's system. Excellent pressing and wonderful quick movement with a brilliant left foot.
Now imagine Mane and Mahrez on either side of Firmino and Coutinho.
Title 😍.

11 Jul 2016 07:19:26
I think Clyne's flaws only stick out to the really knowledgeable like you, he is not like Moreno who's just a patently stupid player in the eyes of any half-educated football fan. Clyne's defensive misreadings are harder to notice for the general fan, hence why a lot of LFC supporters seem like him as a player.

NickIsARed

{Ed001's Note - if it was just his defending, then it would not be half as bad. It makes things worse that he offers so little in the opponent's half either. It worries me that he has risen to such a high level in the game with so little actual ability. He is there because he is quick and strong, not because he can play.}

02 Jan 2017 17:35:57
It's more the fact that the media *don't* say anything about any large debt associated with Liverpool, despite the fact they used to a few years ago, that's why it's hard to find someone in the media. To be fair to you I should have worded it better.

I'm not that bad with finances, I just wasn't aware they only temporarily wrote it off. But anyone on this website is going to look like a financial pleb compared to your knowledge, so go easy.

NickIsARed

{Ed002's Note - Ok Nick - I think we should let this go - the new argument that the media are saying nothing about Liverpool's debt means that there isn't one doesn't hold too much water. The Debate Society of Berkeley would struggle to persuade me of that being true.

On a brighter note, there was nothing in the press today about Reus joing Liverpool this month - makes you think?}

{Ed002's Note - They did - but they get it back when they sell the club - all they have done is offset debt against their investment (devaluing it) - so who in the media is saying what about the debt the accounts show and the further payments for the stadium? You seem to be (again) struggling with simple finances Nick.}

02 Jan 2017 17:23:34
The media are saying that they're not in big debt, as the owners are. This is why it's so confusing.

NickIsARed

{Ed002's Note - Keep saying the same thing doesn't help Nick. Who in the media is saying what? Who within the owners doesn't understand the accounts, doesn't understand the £60 odd million write off in the last set of accounts nor payments made for the stadium work and what are they saying about it?}

02 Jan 2017 17:01:04
Ed, surely there's something out there that proves Liverpool is in big debt? This is why people are confused, because literally everyone else with a voice in the media is saying otherwise.

NickIsARed

{Ed002's Note - The accounts last year show a big debt and the owners also writing off a very large debt to get it off the books - since then they have made another payment for the stadium - but you keep trust everyone one in the media if they are saying that is not the case.

27 Dec 2016 11:48:44
Harry none of your views seem to have moderation. Something is either really good or really bad.

Chelsea have weaknessES just like every other team. How about the fact Gary Cahill is an average footballer? Or how Alonso is defensively suspect? Or how Moses can easily be found out? Or how they have no one else reliable to play up front if Costa is injured?

Chelsea are good but not invincible, I've seen far better teams. Their winning streak has been a combination of good football and luck. Sometimes it just happens. But they've timed their winning steak for far too early in the season for it to win them the league.